This is the show to check out. Did they know? Cryptical->Brokedown suggests that they did.
The next night is legendary, channeling that energy into music.

I really like the shows from 1970, but many of them are aud recordings such as the first set of this show. This one is listenable and Phil comes through loud and clear, unlike many other such recordings. Some great tight performances make it well worth a listen. These early high-speed Sugar Magnolias sound a little like Alvin and the Chipmonks, very funny.

9/18 is also great. Thank god they played Operator.
MAMU is delectable.

First Dead concert. Balcony, first row center.
By the time Sugar Magnolia ended, I had become a "Dead Freak."
Wish we had SBD for the first part of the show.
Find a better Sugar Magnolia, I dare you! (Perhaps 11-6-70?) Casy Jones, also ... perfect beginning to a Dead show at one of their peaks.
Thanks so much for providing it?

I would give the entire show 5 stars because the song selection and playing throughout is outstanding; but, I am commenting on the recording and the 2 stars the sound quality of the first part deserves takes away (for period recording or history's sakes) from the whole show being rated 5 stars.
Being a FOB taper at many many many shows, I love the feeling I get when I listen to a show that was recorded using stealth and less than pro equipment. Walking out with a show recorded for prosperity is an incredible feeling b/c there sure ain't a "lay it down easy" situation in that kinda crowded audience scene. IMHO, that is one of the finest sense of accomplishments available to a taper. This is one of those nights--hearing the crowd go completely nuts is such a wonderful thing for someone who wants to be there but could not!
The energy captured by the audience recording is awesome but as Cpt Doubledose stated, it is crummy sounding--typical for a recording like that from that era--lucky to have them. So sure, skip thru M&MU to get the crispy sbd recording, but listen to the first part--the AUD to get a real feeling of what was going on in the room.
Honestly, Its a Mans World is worth the listen in the audience part.
The last/soundboard part of the show is one of the first DAT's I ever traded for back in the early 90s when I got my first Sony D-3. The sound is almost perfect and the jams are TOP NOTCH! The Dancin will have you shakin no matter where you are (I am in my office cubicle with headphones on listening) and just noticed my plants were shaking to the beat I was laying down with my tapping foot. I love the opening solo JG does in St Stephen--I have been incorporating a little St Stephen tease into a song my band has been playing and dangit I am happily gonna ape him again because he was the MAN!! God rest his soul!
Shake your pants, shake your plants, shake your soul!
If you get confused just listen to the music play...
Love and peace out~
Alfred

Listen to the ripping Other One because otherwise the sound quality will drive you batty from the crummy audience in the first part then go straight to ME & MY UNCLE where the sound gets much better . This is when the board kicks in and Jer lets loose with a kickin 19:30 DANCIN. ST. STEPHAN>NFA is awesome but the pick of the litter is a 21 minute killer GOOD LOVIN pig goes off.